INCA TRAIL Hike – Classic

INCA TRAIL ADVENTURE. Classic Machu Picchu information, Is one of the most famous trails in all of South America is the Classic Inca Trail Adventure. This trek is, without a doubt, the most popular trek to the main gate of Machu Picchu. One of the reasons why the Inca trail is so popular is because this trail has original paved stonework from Inca times that the Spaniards never reached. You will walk along paths that the Incas used over 500 years ago. Another reason why this trail is very popular is that it is the only trail in all of Peru that connects directly to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

Other alternative treks take you first to Aguas Calientes town and then the following day Machu Picchu is reached. An added appealing detail to this trek is that you don’t need excellent physical stamina to hike this trail. You only need to pack a few belongings, walking poles (available for rent) and have an adventurous spirit to hike this trail. If this trek interests you make sure to book months in advance. Only 500 permits are allotted daily of which only 250 permits are reserved for tourists. There is also an option for the short Inca trail Adventure; If desired to hike in two days.

Itinerary

Prior to your trek, you will have a pre-departure briefing in your hotel lobby the night before. Here your tour leader will answer any questions you may have and give you some tips prior to your Inca Trail adventure. On the following day, between 5 am to 5:30 am your tour leader will pick you up from your respective hotel. You will go on a 3-hour drive towards Kilometer 82. A hearty breakfast will be served to you right before KM 82 checkpoint and any last minute snacks can be purchased during this stop as well. Here you will have the chance to repack any personal belongings and then head to the checkpoint for the Inca Trail.

Hiking miles

You will begin this trail hiking a gentle up and down path until you reach the first Inca remain called Llactapata. Your tour leader will give you information about this site and also begin their guiding introduction about the Incas and of the many remnants left. You will continue to hike for two hours and stop for your gourmet style lunch. If there is extra time on our hands we can stop for a short nap, if not, we can continue our 3-hour hike towards Yuncaypata campsite. A happy hour of hot drinks and popcorn awaits you here followed by dinner. Afterward, we recommend you get a good nights rest because the following day is the most challenging day of all.

Wake up time will be at about 5:00 am followed by an early breakfast. Today will be the most challenging day of this entire trek so we make sure to head out early. Your hike begins going slowly and gradually uphill over Dead Woman’s Pass. This path is composed of original steps used by the Incas. We highly recommend you take walking poles to assist you during this hike. (Walking poles are available for rent in our office) This is the highest point in this entire trail and takes about 4-5 hours to hike this entire pass. When we all reach the top we will have a short break to take pictures and appreciate the view. We will then descend the steps of this pass which takes us about 2-3 hours until we reach our lunch spot at Paqaymayu.

Hiking miles

After lunch, we head out to the second pass called Runkurakay. This pass is a lot shorter and it will take about 2 hours to trek this entire pass. This pass is also composed of original Inca steps. After finishing Runkurakay pass you will begin to feel a different type of weather and microclimate. You will appreciate a striking sunset and feel amongst the clouds. Few groups do this second pass the same day but we believe it is too beautiful of a view to be overlooked. After a much-deserved rest, we continue walking to our campsite in Chaquicocha where we will have our happy hour of hot drinks and popcorn followed by your gourmet dinner. We will go to sleep early for the next day is an unforgettable day.

Today your hike will only be for a half day walk so you can sleep in till 6 am. Breakfast will be served gourmet style, as are all of your meals. After breakfast, we begin our walk to one of the most beautiful days of this trail. You will walk along the Andes Mountains where you will appreciate stunning views of cloud forests, glaciers, the affluent Urubamba River and the beginning of tropical valleys. Once you reach Phuyopatamarca summit you will have a short break and adjust your walking sticks for the descent. A 1000 meter/ 3,280 ft. of steps downhill will follow.

Hiking miles

Prior to reaching your last campsite, you will connect with Intipata Inca remains. Here you will see massive terraces left by the Incas and have the chance to take photos. You will continue your descent until you reach your last campsite of Wiñayhuayna. Your happy hour of hot drinks and popcorn will be waiting for you followed by your gourmet dinner. A good nights rest will follow as Machu Picchu awaits for you the next day.

Meals: B/L/D snacks, hot drinks, and popcorn

Maximum Altitude: 3,600m/11,811 ft

Minimum Altitude: 2,600m/8,530 ft

Distance Travelled: 10 Km/ 6.2 miles

Walking Time: approximately 6-7 hours

Winahuayna Inca Site

Day 4: The Lost City of the Incas: Wiñayhuayna – Intipunku – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes- Cusco

Today begins earlier than usual. After breakfast we say a farewell to our chaskis (porters) and set off on the trail by 4:00 am in order to arrive by sunrise in Machu Picchu. This last part of the trail from Wiñayhuayna to Machu Picchu takes about 1 1/2 hr of hiking. This trail is clearly marked but knows ahead of time that you will be walking in darkness prior to sunrise. It is highly recommended to bring a headlamp, as the path is narrow.

Your first stop will be at Intipunku, where the famous Sun Gate to Machu Picchu is located. Suddenly all efforts up until this point are rewarded with an unforgettable sight. A backdrop of natural beauty, human art and forested peaks framing the magical city of Machu Picchu will be available for you to see as the sun is rising. You will have plenty of time to take photos of the Lost City of the Incas, from the classic postcard view and different angles around. A final short hike will bring us to the entrance and into the heart of Machu Picchu itself, where we spend the rest of the morning with a 2 hour guided tour of the citadel.

Hiking miles

The shuttle bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes is included in your tour. This departs every 15 minutes and will be available for you to descend whenever you decide it is time to go. Make sure to double check your train schedule and be at the train station one hour before departure. If you wish to travel in more comfortable seats we recommend upgrading your train ticket to the Vistadome service. Your package includes the Expedition train service but can easily upgrade for an extra cost. Here you have the option of an earlier departure and superior comfortable seats for the ride back to Cusco. Whichever train service you choose to Cusco, we arrange for your pick up and drop off at your hotel. This is included in your service.

Important note: Campsite allocations are subject to change depending on availability provided by the National Institute of Culture (Government officials in charge of the Inca Trail).

Meals: Breakfast only

Maximum Altitude: 2,700m/8858 ft.

Minimum Altitude: 2,100m/6889 ft.

Distance Travelled: 8 km

Walking Time: 5-6 hrs including Machu Picchu guided tour

How to book

INCA TRAIL ADVENTURE – classic Machu Picchu information, we are available to speak to you by phone, text, chat, or email. We highly suggest you contact us directly and confirm with us before you book. Please fill out our Booking Form and pay the $250 deposit of your tour. TLP Adventure will email you back that same day with your confirmation. We always send out confirmations. If for some reason you do not hear from us, contact our office and we will resend.

We are so happy and ready to take you on this exciting adventure. Thank you for trusting us!!!

Huayna Picchu

If you want to climb Huayna Picchu make sure to book in advance as there are only 400 permits allowed daily to this location.

$40 per person Please notify us during your booking if you wish to purchase this upgrade

Machupicchu Mountain

Machupicchu Mountain offers even more magnificent views than Huayna Picchu. There are also only 400 permits allowed daily to this location. A 360-degree view of Machupicchu and the surrounding valley and glaciers are seen from this mountain.

US$35 per person Please notify us during your booking if you wish to purchase this upgrade

Inka Bridge

If you did not have the opportunity to book an additional upgrade this one is available for free. It is an hour and a half round trip hike.

Sun Gate

If you did not have the opportunity to book an additional upgrade this one is available for free. It is a two-hour round trip hike.

Vistadome Train

From Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo: Prices vary from $57.00 to $73.00 per person one-way

Additional Night in Aguas Calientes hotel

Price depends on the season and Hotel availability

Items Available for Rent

Single Tent $40 (if you wish to sleep alone)

Sleeping Bag $20 per person (-10 degrees Celsius)

Air Mattress $20 per person (REI brand)

Walking Poles $15 per pair (poles can be extended)

Head Lamp $10

Daypack / Backpack $25

Extra kilograms $15/kg (Example 3kg=$45)

Price

We are excited to be part of your adventure and lead you to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Make sure to book your tour in advance. Only 500 people a day are permitting on the Inca Trail of which 250 are reserved for tourists. Machu Picchu allows 2500 tourists daily. Don’t miss your adventure!

From $656.00 per person Group service

Note:An initial deposit of $250.00 is required to reserve your spot. We require this deposit to buy train and bus tickets, entrance fees to Machu Picchu, Inca trail admission ticket and for your return transportation. The remaining balancing is due 21 days prior to your trek. Please see our Terms and Conditions.

Accommodations

TBA

For any questions send us an email

Info@tourleadersperu.com

tourleadersperu@gmail.com USA

Please take money for your own personal expense while on Trek. You may wish to buy yourself some beverages, souvenirs and/or tip your personal staff. Peruvian Nuevo soles are preferable.

Students with ISIC CARD: US$25 per person. Please send us a copy of your ISIC at the time of booking. Only the card on the left from the picture below is valid for the $25 discount.